The Spaniard left St James' Park for Anfield in the summer of 2011 after criticising the club's transfer policy which saw them sell Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and Andy Carroll prior to his departure.

"I know I am not going to have a good reception there but I think I did really well while I was there," he said. "They took my words badly when I say they would never be in the top six if they sell their best players, they took it the wrong way.

"I try to treat people well but if they want to receive me badly I will be ready for it. I am really happy how they treated me there, they gave me the opportunity to play in the Premier League.

"They are fighting to avoid relegation and I hope they stay in the Premier League.

"We need three points and of course after that I hope they win all their games."